Ques. 1AIPMT 2001
Darwin's theory of pangenesis shows similarity with theory of inheritance of acquired characters then what shall be correct according to it
- There should be some physical basis of inheritance
- Size of organs increase with aging
- Useful organs become strong and developed while useless organs become extinct. These organs help in struggle for survival
- Development of organs is due to will power
Answer
(1) There should be some physical basis of inheritance
Solution
According to Darwin's theory of pangenesis, every part of the body produces minute particles called gemmules (pangenes), which collect in the gametes and are passed on to the offspring.
Characters acquired by a body part change its gemmules, so acquired characters can be inherited (similar to Lamarck's theory). Thus the theory assumes that material particles carry the characters from parents to offspring.
∴ According to it, there should be some physical basis of inheritance.
Answer: (1)